Rural Women's Participation and Representation in Politics, Decision-making and Governance: A Case of Shamva District, Zimbabwe

The research focused on the representation and participation of rural women in politics, decision making and governance in Shamva District in Zimbabwe. The research was centred in wards 21 and 22 which had female councillors and ward 29 with a male councillor. The key objective of the study was to assess the major factors that affect women's participation in politics, decision making, and governance in Shamva District in Zimbabwe. Questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were employed to collect data in the field. A total sample of 108 respondents and participants were selected, involving 65 women and 43 men. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were utilised in the study so as to yield potential benefits of these different techniques. The research adopted the use of stratified random sampling for primary respondents and purposive sampling for key respondents. The study advocates for the promotion of representation and participation of rural women in both public and private spheres as more women are required in the governance system. This paper argues that equitable development is likely to occur when elected women at a local level are supported by senior administrative women in the governance system, as this may help increase community participation. The study findings reveal that barriers such as lack of education, lack of resources, political violence, religious and cultural factors have implications on elevating women to governance positions in Shamva District. The study recommended enforcement of the law, carrying out awareness campaigns, implementation of the quota system as well as women empowerment as solutions to the current trends that cause women's under representation and participation in politics, decision making and governance. The paper concludes that the participation and representation of women in rural areas in politics, decision making and governance may continue to exist as long the current peculiar issues facing women remain unaddressed and not redressed.